I am a Masters of Science candidate in the Environmental Conservation Program within the Nelson Institute for Environmental Science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. My professional placement will take me to Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland where I will be working at the SEA LIFE Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary, the world's first! I will assist in the daily operation of the facility, to include educational and animal husbandry tasks. During my time on the island, I will also have the opportunity to assist the Icelandic Orcas Project while they conduct their fieldwork from Vestmannaeyjar.
As I sit at the airport processing the last 49 days of my life, I can’t help but think that in this moment is exactly where I am supposed to be. I am leaving my placement 2 weeks earlier than planned due to a family emergency. However amazing those two weeks could have been absolutely does not take away from the time I did have, the people I met and the immense pride I feel having participated in this project. There were times I felt defeated and invisible, frustrated and disappointed, sad and even more sad, but those were far outweighed by the times I felt impactful, excited, successful, proud and lucky.
So, in the spirit of cultural immersion and a nod to the title, I started this post yesterday and decided to complete it tomorrow (or today rather). When in…Iceland, right?
I left off in my first post pre-placement, hesitant but with great anticipation of what was to come. I’d be hard pressed to say that both the hesitation and anticipation weren’t both warranted and underrepresented. I made it to the island (thank you mother nature) and I am now two weeks into my placement. When I get asked how it’s going my response is, “Definitively a learning experience”.
Klettsvik Bay Beluga Sanctuary
Aquarium & Puffin Rescue Center (first floor only)
This summer I will be spending my time at SEA LIFE Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary on Heimaey Island within the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago in the south of Iceland. This sanctuary is the world’s first for currently captive cetaceans (whales, dolphins, porpoises) to retire and live the remainder of their days with dignity in a natural setting. Through a partnership with Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC), Merlin Entertainment and SEA LIFE Trust are leading the way to create innovative sanctuaries such as this to end captivity and I am so excited to be a part of this journey and to take you along with me!
The Nelson Institute: Environmental Conservation Leadership Projects 